The winners of a competition to launch or boost a business will be announced on Thursday.

The Bermuda Economic Development Agency (BEDC) held its annual Rocket Pitch competition at City Hall last Friday, where a dozen competitors pitched their ideas to panels of experts.

The competition was open to any entrepreneur with a new business idea in one of three separate industry categories, namely PitchPINK, for a tourism or hospitality product or service; PitchTECH, for innovative technology or a e-business idea; and PitchTOWN, for a business with a focus on local customers.

The technology section judges Marisa Stones, Michael Branco and Leon Bascome heard proposals for a Bermuda-themed computer game from developer Adrian Lodge, while Kim Caisey presented a web-based resource for parents of young children.

Coral Wells introduced her concept for a resource centre providing shared office space and technology training programs for youth and professionals.

The PitchTOWN judges Nick Kempe, Katherine Fisher and Marico Thomas evaluated proposals from entrepreneurs Roy Cyrus and Jakio Williams who are looking to start a 120cc cycle rental business exclusively for Bermuda driving licence holders. Another entrant, Marquel Waldron, outlined plans to expand his extreme sports management company into corporate team-building, while self-published children’s book writer Rosheena Beek aims to expand her sales network overseas. Entrant Mary Smith introduced a nutrition programme for youngsters.

The evening wrapped up with judges Rasheeda Burgess, Kallie Marcus and Malika Musson of the tourism and hospitality category hearing ideas which ranged from Nakia Smith’s traditional Bermudian food and drink walking tour to Alex Marshall and Jamie Lovell’s online tourist butler concept. Another idea came from Joy Clarke Simons, who spoke of developing a bistro at Warwick Long Bay, while Jamila Godwin’s idea was a website offering booking arrangements for a multitude of Bermuda visitor experiences.

The winners of the competition will be unveiled on Thursday during the Celebration of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The event will be held at XL Catlin’s conference centre in the O’Hara Building, Bermudiana Road, Hamilton starting at 5.30pm. The public is welcome to attend.

The entrepreneur selected as number one in each category will receive a combination of venture funds and business start-up services valued at up to $5,000.

The competition, which is being run as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, is supported by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Department of e-Commerce and the BEDC.